Woolworth Sit-in

On May 28, 1963, Jackson MS became home to perhaps the most violent sit-in in our nation's history. Students from Tougaloo College organized a peaceful protest in a downtown restaurant. Medgar Evers helped organize and supported this effort. White counter protestors attacked the students with anything they could grab. Ketchup, vinegar, salt and pepper shakers and fists were among the weapons used against the non-violent students. 
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Medgar Evers

On June 12, Medgar Evers was murdered at his home in Jackson. The murder of Medgar Evers at the hands of Klansmen, Byron De La Beckwith, came two weeks and a day after the successful Woolworth sit-in. It is hard not to see this as a retaliation. However the assassination sparked a national outcry for justice in Mississippi.
Integration was a large part of Medgar Evers work. He was the first black student to apply to Ole Miss and he helped James Meredith become the first black student at Ole Miss. 
His work and legacy have influenced everyone who has lived in Jackson since.

Phillip Lafayette Gibbs
​And James Earl Green

It wasn't just Kent State.  Tragedy struck at Jackson State University on May 15, 1970. The Jackson Police and some state troopers opened fire on students. The shooting started at 12:05 a.m. on May 15 and continued for about 30 seconds. At least 140 shots came from shotguns a distance of 30 to 50 feet. Every window on the narrow side of the building facing Lynch Street was shattered. Twelve others, all students, were struck by gunfire. Several students required treatment for shock and injuries from shattered glass. Those taken to local hospitals included Fonzie Coleman, Tuwaine Davis, Climmie Johnson, Leroy Kenter, Gloria Mayhorn, Andrea Reese, Patricia Ann Sanders, Stella Spinks, Lonzie Thompson, Vernon Steve Weakley, Fred Wilson Jr., Willie Woodard, Gladys Dinkins Johnson and Gaylia Porter.
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cooperation Jackson 

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Cooperation Jackson is an emerging vehicle for sustainable community development, economic democracy, and community ownership.  This group is focused on building strong social movements to upend the structural inequities that continue to plague Jackson and the State of Mississippi.  Forte Strings believes in the strength of organizations like this one and we look forward to the possibility of working together in the future to achieve the greatest good for Jackson.